well - it transpires that a previous owner had "modified" the battery holders to take the tiny Soraichi batteries that came with the bike. We have re-modified the holders to accept the Motobatt's and all is now well in that department.
Have also had to resort to gluing the headlamp bulb holders together as they had disintegrated with age - a common problem it seems.
Awaiting new front brake line kit then it's off for an MOT and out on the roads (if we get any decent weather here on the NE coast)_________________Bimota SB6 and Benelli TNT 899S road bikes.
Beta Techno trials iron. Project bikes:- Suzuki V4 500, TS185 cafe racer, XR11/71, Kettle/Katana, TDRGV250, OR50, Gag125,Triumph T595 and a Triumph X75 Hurricane replica.
Too many projects...............

and I searched the web, and Aprilia parts vendors, for the CEV bulb holders but to no avail. I may purchase a set of lights just to fill a gap on one of my garage shelves............. _________________Bimota SB6 and Benelli TNT 899S road bikes.
Beta Techno trials iron. Project bikes:- Suzuki V4 500, TS185 cafe racer, XR11/71, Kettle/Katana, TDRGV250, OR50, Gag125,Triumph T595 and a Triumph X75 Hurricane replica.
Too many projects...............

I've just ordered 2 lithium Ion batteries, since nobody seems to be talking about them as an option at all I guess I'm the guinea pig. The weight saving alone, plus the 150 CCA seems to be pretty attractive as well as the longevity.
Hoping I haven't screwed up
Greg

I've just ordered 2 lithium Ion batteries, since nobody seems to be talking about them as an option at all I guess I'm the guinea pig. The weight saving alone, plus the 150 CCA seems to be pretty attractive as well as the longevity.
Hoping I haven't screwed up
Greg

(still can't get a bloody avatar to work)

I was thinking about this but when I bought one (the right size) the terminals were in the wrong place. Interesting you bought 2 I was thinking 1 would do the job.
At the moment I have ordinary sealed type, I use a DC optimate and a caravan battery on a cheap sack trolley_________________Don't read everything you believe

I'm a little worried about the inability to be able to remove the battery from the SB6 in a hurry if need be.

It does look like a sod of a job to replace the batteries, is there a technique to it or you just have to strip down the whole front end to get at it? Any pain saving advice will be welcomed_________________Greg

I use an Abba front lift under the exhaust pipes. Once the front is raised you can get the fairing off or drop out the front wheel if you want even easier.
Abba don't make the front lift anymore but you should find one on ebay._________________Don't read everything you believe